Feb 8th Eastern Review & comparing DCL and RCCL

[Grumbo]

On this tipping matter. Do the CM get the entire amount of the tip that is left for them or is it split elsewhere? Do they make a wage on top of these tips or is that there only source of income (As I read on this board in the past but found somewhat hard to believe).
Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[schrei]

Regarding the tipping...My husband and I have talked at lengths the past 2 cruises with our servers, so I am pretty confident to be able to discuss this with you. Keep in mind these folks are paid in US TAX FREE Dollars. DCL does not compensate the the Head, Assistant or Server as well as cabin steward. They work complete for the monies you leave them. They work an average of 70 hours per week. Our server makes about $50,000 per year. If the cruise doesn't sell out, they'll make less, however, DCL is REALLY popular, so chances are they'll make a good amount. Keep in mind that he spends 6 months on the ship and has anywhere from 6-12 weeks off the ship after his 6 month committment. They have a contract with DCL and renew while on holiday/vacation. Many of these folks have done this for years and it is a way of life, dealing with the seperation from their children and wives. Many feel they are making a better life for themselves and their families. Our Asst Server told us after doing 2 years with DCL he could return home and be the equivelant of a millionaire. I am sure that by the time you leave the DCL you will feel that YOU WANT to tip the full amount, if not more. You are supposed to tip this weather you are an adult or child. The recommended tipping is an average of the industry standard and you can use your own discrestion, again I know you'll feel good when you to it! Talking to these folks about their homes, their jobs and lives is very intersting and you will see from the staff DCL is culterally diverse. For my family we for the past 2 years been our servers favorite table. We become very comfortable, friendly and chatty with the staff intrigued with them. I am certain that if you are curious, any of the staff will be honest with you too!